Published:
To mark International Women's Day on Friday 8 March, we have been speaking with some of our amazing Lyell Centre scientists about their career paths and ways that universities and science centres can Inspire Inclusion for women and girls in STEM.
Dr Philippa Rickard, Research Associate in the Carbon-Water Dynamics Group
Q1. Tell us a bit about your research. Why is it important?
Biogeochemistry explores how chemical elements flow through living organisms and the physical environment. It is important because we need to understand these element cycles to understand (and predict) how our planet functions on small and large scales, and ultimately, how these cycles will interact with the progression of climate change.
Q2. How did you get interested in biogeochemistry? What was your career journey?
Marine Biogeochemistry appealed to me because of the vastness of the unknown - there are so many knowledge gaps in what we understand about the Ocean. Biogeochemistry really is the nuts and bolts of how our global climate system works (plus, I get to do fieldwork in some really cool places).
I began my career journey a little later than some, in my mid-twenties, because I didn't know what I wanted to do! I knew I wanted to make a positive difference to people and I wanted to be able to have informed conversations about climate change - leading me to Environmental Science!
I studied with the Open University while I worked full-time and secured a place at the University of York during which, I realised that I am really motivated by learning. So, I went on to a PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry at Newcastle University.
My current career stage here at the Lyell Centre is that of an Early Career Researcher, so I am still very much in the midst of my journey. I don't know what will come next, but I'm excited to keep on exploring.
Q3. This year’s International Women's Day theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. Have you had to overcome any additional barriers as a women in STEM and, if so, how did you navigate these?
STEM careers are very competitive and precarious but community is integral to each individual success. So, I surround myself with supportive people that I respect and admire, and I do my best to be a proactive role-model, advocate and community member.
I never waste energy knocking on a closed door and I never accept "that's the way it has always been" as an explanation.
Q4. What would you say to inspire young women and girls who are interested in a career in earth and marine sciences?
Career paths are often squiggly and no two are the same, so don't compare your journey to someone else's. As you progress, always remember that you have already earned your place at the table; if the table you want to sit at doesn't exist, build it.
Marta Maria Cecchetto, postgraduate researcher in deep-sea ecology
Q1. Tell us about deep-sea ecology; why is it important for addressing global environmental challenges?
Deep-sea ecology looks at the impacts of deep-sea mining and algae based carbon storage in the deep sea. My research is important as it helps to better understand and safeguard our oceans.
Q2. What was your career path to becoming a researcher in deep-sea ecology?
I grew up in a family of scuba divers and fell in love with the marine environment very quickly. Studying marine science during my bachelor degree and then choosing it as my career was a very easy choice.
Q3.his year’s IWD theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. Have you had to overcome any additional barriers as a women in STEM and, if so, how did you navigate these?
I always found strength in numbers, it is important to have good people within your team or as mentors. It is important to remember why we are doing this and any additional difficulties are just a bump in the road.
Q4. What would you say to inspire young women and girls who are interested in a career in earth and marine sciences?
Be stubborn with your dreams and don’t let the refusals stop you. Just keep swimming!
Dr Alexis Cartwright-Taylor, Associate Professor in Geomechanics
Q1. What is Geomechanics and why is it important in the study of Earth Sciences?
Geomechanics describes how the Earth and Earth materials behave under stress and quantifies the factors that govern that behaviour. Essentially, what happens when we squash rocks? It is important for understanding earthquakes, and for assessing and mitigating risks arising from our subsurface activities, for example energy production and storage, storage of carbon dioxide, mining, dams, etc. It is a key part of ensuring a safe and secure energy transition to net zero.
Q2. What led you to a career in Geomechanics?
I was fascinated by earthquakes and other natural hazards when I learned about them during my geophysics undergraduate degree and was involved in a study of the earthquake hazard in Las Vegas Valley.
After I graduated, I worked in a science communication role in Fiji where I created public awareness brochures on natural hazards that affect the South Pacific and then, after a period working offshore doing geophysical surveying (which I didn’t really enjoy), went on study them at masters level, doing my dissertation on earthquake hazard in Vanuatu. That led me into wanting to know more about the processes that cause earthquakes and whether we can forecast failure, and my PhD in the laboratory, and I have been squashing rocks ever since!
Now I image them with x-rays while squashing them which means we can see almost everything that’s going on inside the microstructure. Super cool!
Q3. This year’s theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. Have you had to overcome any additional barriers as a women in STEM and, if so, how did you navigate these?
I often felt isolated being the only woman in some of my working environments and was keenly aware of the lack of female role models and mentors to go to when difficult situations arose. It meant that maybe I didn’t deal with those situations particularly well at the time. But I also learned from my mistakes and hope that my experience means that I can be a good role model/mentor to the next generation of women in STEM.
Q4. What would you say to inspire young women and girls who are interested in a career in earth and marine sciences?
Go for it! The planet is changing at an astonishing rate and we need your bright young minds to help us find a way towards a more sustainable future.